Overview

This guide explains how to format file links in your CSV imports so Machine Operators can access technical documents from their Windows laptops or Android tablets.

Quick Reference Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify Where Files Are Stored

• Web server

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.)

• Network drive with drive letter (e.g., Z: drive)

• Network share (e.g., \\fileserver\technical)

2. Format Links

To import links for worksteps using a CSV file, specify the URIs in the LINKS (URI) column (https://support.smartblick.de/en/support/solutions/articles/44002272415).

Note: A link must be enclosed in quotation marks. If multiple links are assigned in a single workstep, they must be separated by spaces to ensure correct processing by the CSV parser.

2.1 HTTP/HTTPS Links

Option A: Web Server

If your IT department has set up a web server for file access:

• Use the HTTP address provided by IT

• Format: http://servername/path/to/file.pdf

Example:
Web server address: http://192.168.1.100/drawings/Part123.pdf

Option B: Cloud Storage

If files are stored in cloud services:

• Prerequisite: Ensure the appropriate sharing permissions are set.

• Upload the file to Google Drive, OneDrive, or a similar service.

• Get the shareable link.

• Use the full HTTPS URL.

Examples:

• Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a2b3c4d5e/view

• OneDrive: https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=123ABC

2.2 Mapped Drive or Network Path (Windows Devices Only)

Mapped Network Drive

If using a mapped network drive:

• Start with: file:///

• Add drive letter and colon: e.g., Z:

• Convert all backslashes (\) to forward slashes (/)

• Add the rest of the path

Example:

• Original path: Z:\Technical Drawings\2024\Part123.pdf

• Formatted link: file:///Z:/Technical Drawings/2024/Part123.pdf

Network Path (UNC)

If using a network path (UNC):

• Start with: file://

• Remove the leading backslashes

• Convert all backslashes (\) to forward slashes (/)

• Add the server name and path

Example:

• Original path: \\fileserver\technical\Drawings\Part123.pdf

• Formatted link: file://fileserver/technical/Drawings/Part123.pdf

Note:
Android tablets cannot directly access file:// links to mapped drives or network paths.
You must use a web server or cloud storage instead.

Modern browsers often auto-format URLs when pasted into the address bar, but behavior varies:

• Spaces → converted to %20 (e.g., file:///Z:/Technical%20Drawings/Part%20A.pdf)

• Backslashes → browsers like Chrome replace \ with /

• UNC Paths → often auto-prefixed with file:// (e.g., \\server\share\file.pdf → file://server/share/file.pdf)

If auto-formatting fails, manually format URLs before importing the CSV.

Troubleshooting

Windows Issues

Error: "File not found"

• Check if the network drive is mapped

• Verify the path is correct

• Ensure the user has proper permissions

Android Issues

Browser blocks file:// links

• This is normal — use HTTP or cloud links instead

• Consider asking IT to set up a web server for file access

"Access Denied" Errors

• Check file permissions

• Verify network connectivity

• Ensure proper authentication

Need Help?

Contact your IT department for assistance with:

• Setting up web server access for Android devices

• Network drive mapping issues

• File permission problems

• Alternative file-sharing solutions